Lamar Odom Transferred to L.A. Hospital to Continue Recovery

The former NBA star was transported by helicopter from the Las Vegas facility where he was hospitalized nearly a week ago upon being found in extremely critical condition.

LAS VEGAS — Lamar Odom left a Las Vegas hospital and is now in the Los Angeles area to continue his recovery a week after being found unconscious at a Nevada brothel, said a family representative Tuesday.

The former NBA star was transported by helicopter from Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center in Las Vegas around 5 p.m. Monday, according to a statement from Alvina Alston, publicist for Odom's aunt JaNean Mercer. She did not say where he has been taken in Los Angeles.

The family statement thanked the hospital and Odom's fans and said his estranged wife, Khloe Kardashian, his father and his children from a previous relationship are with him.

"He continues to make miraculous progress, taking a few steps in Los Angeles," said the statement.

News of his release comes a day after a family statement said Odom's condition was improving. It said he was overcoming "insurmountable obstacles" and defying the odds.

Odom was found in extremely critical condition at the Love Ranch brothel in the rural community of Crystal, Nev., on Oct. 13 and was hospitalized in Las Vegas. He regained consciousness and communicated for the first time on Friday.

A representative for the brothel said workers saw Odom drink alcohol and take supplements sold as "herbal Viagra." The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 2013 against one brand he took, Reload, after it was found to contain sildenafil, the active ingredient in prescription medication Viagra.

Odom also told at least one of the women that he had done cocaine, but the brothel's representation said it did not see him take any drugs or find any there.

Odom's family, including Kardashian, rushed to his bedside at the Las Vegas hospital. Friends, teammates and loved ones also visited and posted requests for prayers on social media.

Love Ranch owner Dennis Hof said that Odom arrived on Oct. 10 for a four-day stay and spent $75,000 on two women who accompanied him in a VIP suite.